House Plans You Love and Builders Prefer

When building a home, size matters: What square footage is right for you?

Custom home design

Determining the size of your future house is perhaps one of the most important factors in the building process. Choosing either large or small comes with its own perks and downsides.

Large houses certainly offer an allure of their own. More square footage allows for more space in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces and bonus rooms like a craft room, a home office or a game room. On the other hand, smaller houses are more affordable to furnish, maintain, cool, heat and clean!

The appropriate house size will be based on a range of factors regarding your family’s needs and lifestyle:

What is the number of family members?

This is definitely the most important consideration when choosing the amount of square footage. It will determine the size of the whole house, as well as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The number of rooms is also dependent on whether you have guests staying over often or need extra rooms for your elderly parents. These factors will make you more apt to go for a larger house. Moreover, take into consideration if your family will be expanding or contracting anytime soon. A new addition or additions to the family mean more rooms and the need for more square footage. On the flip side, children leaving the nest will mean a need for less rooms.

Do you need work space at home?

These days, an increasing number of employers are allowing people to work from home. If that’s your case, you’ll need ample space for your home office. You could choose to create a space in one of the larger living areas, but a room unto itself, away from the main gathering areas will make for better productivity. If you’re going to be using your house as your workspace, factor that into your square footage needs.

Do you need storage? If so, how much?

Storage space is another important factor in determining your house size. Including a basement or attic area for storage is a plus. This square footage is comparably cheaper than building large closets or other storage space in the common living areas. If you’re like most in the U.S., you have a lot of stuff and thus a need to store it.
However, you might consider streamlining your possessions before your move. This will reduce the amount of square footage for your new home and, in turn, the price tag.

What can you easily afford?

Your budget is obviously going to tremendously impact your decision. Every square foot has a price in new construction. With this in mind, find a middle ground that works for your budget as well as your requirements. You don’t want to end up purchasing a house that’s too big for your needs and also much harder to maintain – and you also don’t want to go too small, leaving you feeling cluttered and suffocated.

In a nutshell:

Given the tradeoffs between a larger house with more space and the convenience and affordability of a smaller one, size is a huge factor when building a new home. Keep in mind that every family has its own unique situation, and you must choose one that suits yours. Remember, no square footage is free – but your comfort and ease can come at a higher price too.

How much does a new home really cost?

Building a new home can be an appealing and exciting experience. Yet, if it is the first time, few people really know how much work is involved. Not to mention an accurate estimate of the cost. Variable costs that include architectural fees, permit fees, construction costs and the builder’s fee and land costs all need to be considered to formulate the final price tag and to protect your budget.

Before the first nail is driven, you will need to have a good set of architectural drawings. This usually involves hiring an architect or residential designer. The architect or designer will work with the customer to design the home, produce construction documents, aid and assist with product selection and sometimes manage or monitor the construction of the home. Typically, an architect will cost between $7,500 and $30,000. He or she may also charge a percentage of the construction costs or base their fees on a price per square foot. As an alternative, there are many quality pre-designed house plans available through various media outlets by very talented architects and designers.

Land is another major cost consideration. As the population increases in major cities, so has the cost of building lots. In the U.S., a buildable lot averages $85,000.00. This number includes survey and financing costs.

Once the lot is secured, the homeowner needs to factor the builder’s fee. Typically, the builder will charge a 10% to 20 % fee. Though this fee might seem excessive, hiring a builder saves both time and money and minimizes waste. Builders can bring valuable expertise in land selection, preparation of your lot, the construction process, obtaining financing and appropriate material selection. They also bring much needed experience to navigating the complicated permitting and inspection process.

Next on the list, is materials. Steel prices have increased significantly over the past years: from May 2017 to December 2017, the global steel price has almost doubled. Future prices are predicted to continue growing, considering the recent 25% tariff imposed on steel imports. Costs like drywall average $11,000 while a typical roof goes for $10,000. Other hard material costs that effect framing, and flooring have become costly as well. The choice of exterior finishes such as brick, siding or stucco also have a major effect on the final home price. And let’s not forget about the cost of appliances, cabinets, countertops, windows, doors, interior trim and plumbing and lighting fixtures.

With the recent uptick in the U.S. economy, new home building has increased and this has made labor harder to come by. Skilled labor is needed to prepare the lot for building, pouring foundations, framing, flooring, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, drywall, interior trim, painting, lighting, and much more. With demand for this skilled labor, up, so is the cost.

And before you put your pencil down, you’ll also need to figure in landscaping materials, outdoor structures like carports, sheds or barns, decks and porches, patios and the driveway. These and other exterior accessories can quickly add up and exceed your budget if not accounted for in the beginning.

Taking all this into account, the national average for the overall cost of a 2,000 square foot home is around $285,900.00. A typical low price will be approximately $74/square foot to a high price average of $360/square foot depending on location and materials used. Since building a new home may be the purchase of a lifetime, much preparation and planning should go into the cost considerations. Knowing all the variables up front will make the whole building process run more smoothly and successfully.

Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Custom home design

Preparing to purchase your first home is usually a thrilling experience. However, when looking at the process as a whole, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Taking it step by step makes the process much easier. A checklist for first time home buyers can help move from creating a sensible budget to finding a suitable home within that budget and finally, to signing the mortgage.

First Time Home Buyers Checklist

Know what you can afford and manage the budget.

Nothing is more important to the first time home buying process than accurately assessing how much home you can afford and calculate a mortgage that fits within your budget. A mortgage of not more than 2.5 times your household gross yearly income is a nice benchmark. Consider your financial scenario and factor in any of you and your partner’s current debt.

Remember, owning a home is a commitment, and you must plan to live in it for about five years to receive the benefits of equity.

Control Credit/Debt

One of the most powerful ways to save cash on your mortgage and enhance your financial picture is an excellent credit score. It can take some time, so make refining credit your priority for you and your partner, if applicable.

Take note; you’re eligible for a free credit report once a year from all three credit bureaus. Make sure to check the reports for any faults and guarantee that all your bills are paid on time. New credit accounts can impact your score as well. Try not to open new lines immediately after applying for a mortgage.

Have Savings/Down Payment Money

Making a 20% down payment is a perfect way to receive initial equity in your home and prevent having to pay mortgage insurance. It’s not needed to qualify for a home loan, but will save you money in the long run. You can also find different local and state down payment assistance programs accessible to first-time homebuyers. Just keep in mind to borrow within your means.

Create/Fine Tune and Stick to A Budget

After you find the ideal home for your needs, it is time to get down to the business of making the purchase. Determine how much you’re willing to pay for the house, make a genuine offer and stick to your budget. Anticipate negotiation, but try to refrain from lowball bids which could risk frustrating the seller. If you prefer to make a bold statement of interest, you can consider an earnest money deposit along with the offer.

Get Pre-Approved, So You Know What Size/Price Home You Should Be Looking For

Mortgage preapprovals help you determine how much you can afford. It also puts you in a dominant negotiating position with a home seller. Preapproval is different from prequalification. Prequalification is only an estimate from the lender of how much they’d be willing to lend you depending on various factors. Sellers tend to prefer homebuyers who are preapproved. It makes the financing and closing procedure move more smoothly.

Buying your first home is a major life event for most. Careful preparation and a methodical approach is always the best course. It will make all the difference as you take that first walk across your very own threshold.

The latest product trends for new home construction

Now is an exciting time to build a new home. Beyond advances in building technology and energy efficient materials, current product and home plan design trends are making today’s new homes quite remarkable. These products include unique patterned flooring, wide bi-fold/sliding doors, free standing bath tubs, interior shiplap siding, exposed beams, and bold and bright paint color schemes.

Gone are the days of boring home floors. Patterned wood and tile have made their way into homes across the nation. From fumed wood, which dramatically enhances the grain, to blanched wood for a distressed but clean look, wood flooring has taken a prominent step forward. We’re seeing mixed-width planks used to create distinct patterns to the more traditional herringbone arrangement. Marble, slate and ceramic tiles with patterns and textures are also being used to create floors that are an integral part of the home decor scheme.

New door trends are also finding their way into homes these days. What was once just a utilitarian item has now become a unique design feature. Incorporating wide sliding glass doors or large bi-folding doors into the design of home plans with covered porches, patios or decks provides living spaces with natural light and more generous views. Weather permitting, opening these wide doors also extends the home’s living space to the outside creating large, flowing floor plans perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.

In the master bathrooms, the large soaking tubs are breaking free from their typical built-in platforms as the stand-alone tub is fast becoming a hot new item. These free standing tubs, both tranquil and beautiful, make a great design focal point and many master bathrooms are being designed around these icons of luxury and relaxation to create a more spa like feel. With this increased interest, many companies have designed a wide array of tub styles that are both sculpturally beautiful and affordable.

Another trending design element made popular by the modern farmhouse plan is the use of shiplap siding as an interior feature. Bringing this common exterior finish to the inside of the house gives instant character to any space. Whether used as an accent on a fireplace or covering the walls of a room, shiplap siding provides clean, simple lines that exemplifies the “less is more” design concept while impacting the home’s aesthetic appeal.

Next on the new product trend list are exposed beams. Inspired by the roughhewn beams of old barns and traditional farm houses, leaving these bones of the ceiling exposed, adds texture and depth to family rooms, keeping rooms, bedrooms and even kitchens. Architecturally, this technique can work in many different home styles from farmhouse traditional to modern. Whether made from reclaimed or new timbers, exposed beams celebrate the engineering of a home while bringing the ceiling into the forefront of the design pallet.

And finally, what’s new on the home construction front wouldn’t be complete without a mention of trending paint colors. Bold is back. Striking paint color choices like dark navy, rich golds and berry reds are finding their way onto the walls of new homes. Homeowners are embracing intense color schemes, from deep earth tones to vibrant jewel tones, to establish personality and character for their rooms.

All told, conventional home construction has made way for a brave new world of exciting product trends. These products help create a new home that breaks from the norm and better fits the needs and style of the individual family. More than ever, the home has become an extension of a family’s lifestyle. These trends help enable that expression.

The modern farmhouse style. It’s come a long way from the farm.

The term “farmhouse style” describes a home that is a bit different than it was a century ago. Back then, a farmhouse was just that, a house on a farm. It’s where the farmers lived. Today, it’s a very popular design for new homes and has dramatically broadened from a style standpoint. In fact, farmhouse style homes are being built throughout urban and suburban areas. And while the modern farmhouse style has definitely evolved from its days on the farm, its enduring appeal comes from the simple, clean lines, functionality and natural materials.

If the farmhouse style is what you want out of your home, there are a number of exterior and interior key features that will make it so. First and foremost is the front porch. The front porch provides a nice transition from the exterior to interior. Back on the farm, shoes fresh from the fields needed to stay outside and the porch was that place. That may not be the case today, where a front porch allows for casual seating and a warm welcome.

Brookshire Manor House plan – Front Elevation

The farmhouse style floor plan gives ample room for a growing family with a large kitchen and dining area for entertaining. It usually features 3 plus bedrooms, a fireplace in the family room, a mudroom to keep coats, shoes and bags, and a covered back porch for additional living space. Vaulted ceilings and large windows for natural light are also telling elements of the farmhouse style.

The kitchen is a place where the farmhouse style can really shine. A farmhouse style kitchen is large enough to be the central gathering room for the family and an area for dining and entertaining. A most recognized mark of the farmhouse kitchen, is the farmhouse sink. Originally the workhorse of the old farm kitchen, its distinctive style and large size make it a go-to sink for the farmhouse look. Other interior kitchen accents include the use of natural and rustic materials like shiplap and reclaimed wood. The farmhouse style kitchen’s large, open floor plan also provides room for a kitchen island and a sizeable dining table.

Overall, the farmhouse style works nicely in an urban, suburban and even coastal location.
One of its most attractive attributes comes from its broad style flexibility. It’s clean and simple exterior and interior design allows for modern finishes and furnishings, as well as, the more traditional country décor. Anything with a handcrafted and practical look helps capture the farmhouse style. In our hectic, modern world, the farmhouse style has gained popularity as a way to connect and recapture the true essence of home. The farmhouse style represents an authentic and inviting American lifestyle, where the house is truly part of the family.

Summerlake House Plan- Reclaimed wood barn door

Choosing A Houseplan

A little neighborly advice for choosing the right house plan.

Building a new home can be an exciting and sometimes daunting experience.
However, deciding to start with a proven and well-crafted house plan is a great first step. Purchasing a house plan will go a long way to making your home building process less stressful and more successful.

To begin with, there are thousands of house plans available. Choosing the right one will make all the difference, not only to fit the needs of you and your family, but the homes marketability if and when you ever choose to sell. With a little planning before you pick a plan, you’ll be on the right path to laying out the welcome mat.

Tried and true considerations for choosing a house plan:

What are your lifestyle needs?

  Do you have a family? If so, how big? You’ll need a certain amount of bedrooms and
  bathrooms. And if there are more children planned or relatives who visit often, you should
  also plan for that additional living space. The interior size needs of your future home is one of
  the most important factors when choosing a house plan.

Chestnut Springs House Plan- Kitchen and Keeping area

What’s your style?

From traditional to contemporary to rustic, there a many different house design styles.

And each style has its own type of house plan. Your furnishings, and neighborhood can also

affect the type of house plan you choose. For example, mid century modern furniture may not
be suited for a traditional farmhouse style home.

Summerlake House Plan – Rustic Elevation

Where will your house live?

In addition to the surrounding neighborhood style, the size and shape of your lot is a major

factor when it comes to choosing a house plan. If you like the outdoors, you’ll need a plan
that allows for outdoor space like a yard, garden, patio, decks or even a pool. A house plan

needs to comfortably fit the lot and the natural surroundings, while addressing additional

uses for your property. Factors such as the width and depth of your lot and whether it’s flat or

sloping will dictate the type of house plan. Also, if privacy is a concern, the right house plan

with the right layout is a must. Nobody wants to their kitchen staring into the neighbor’s

bedroom. And vice versa.

Got space?

   Space and its uses are key when determining which house plan is best. Are you into cooking?
   Then maybe a house plan with a larger kitchen is a must. Will you need a home office,
   storage areas or other special interests that might call for certain space needs? These

usability details need to be considered not only for your enjoyment but future owners.

Taking the time to carefully consider what you want out of your new home is guaranteed to make the whole building process easier. Choosing a house plan that fits these needs, pushes you to think about your house from the inside out. Elements like exterior details and interior finishes are easily adaptable to most house plans and are easier to plan once the floor layout, room count and lot orientation are nailed down. Think of them as the icing on your new, house cake.

Spacious bathroom in gray tones with heated floors, walk-in shower, double sink vanity and skylights

3 Reasons to Choose a Walk-In Shower

Interior Design

When it comes to your bathroom, wouldn’t you like it to be a place of escape and relaxation? Whether you’re coming home from work, the gym or even a long day outside, nothing can help ease stress better than a hot shower. If you are considering what type of shower to put in your home’s bathroom, a walk-in might be a good option.

A traditional bathroom style typically includes a bathtub/shower combo, but modern times call for modern bathroom layouts. The walk-in shower has now become a staple piece in bathrooms, particularly in master baths.

So what defines a walk-in shower? Essentially, it’s a waterproof bathing space that is built without doors, allowing you to simply walk in. Typically, the floors and walls are tiled, but another common feature is a frameless glass barricade that protects the rest of the room from the spray of water. Now that we know what a walk-in shower is, here are a few reasons why you should consider choosing one for your new bathroom.

1. They are practical.

Not only are they practical in the way that they are easily accessible, but they are also easy to clean. The water-proof floor allows for quick cleaning and can be washed down in seconds. Another great thing about this type of enclosure is that it is ideal for people with less mobility, such as the elderly, children, or anyone else that struggles lifting their legs over a bath.

2. They are modern and design-friendly.

One of the great things about a walk-in shower is that there is not a singular way to design it. While many builders opt for natural stone, tile is also a popular choice. With that said, you do not have to stick with only one type of material. Often times, designers and homebuilders will choose two different types of tile or stone to mix and match.

3. It adds the illusion of more space.

Compared to the bulky bath/shower combo that traditional homes typically have, a walk-in shower allows for maximum utilization of a room’s square footage. Whether you choose a completely open space or opt for a frameless glass screen, the room will appear larger and bring in more natural light due to there not being any visual interruptions.

Whether you’re remodeling your home or constructing a new one, a walk-in shower is a feature that should definitely be considered. For more interior design tips or to create a custom house plan with your dream bathroom included, contact the experts at Frank Betz Associates today.

Franks Betz Operation Finally Home Project

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Donald Davenport Chosen for Operation Finally Home

News

Members of America’s Armed Forces, men and women alike, work diligently every day to defend our Freedom and American way of life. The work they choose always results in some degree of sacrifice. Sacrifice that includes time away from loved-ones and family, physical and mental injury and the ultimate sacrifice of surrendering their own lives.

All Americans owe the citizen soldiers unlimited support and gratitude for the work they do. Frank Betz Associates is proud to support and be part of a special group: Operation Finally Home. The group builds and provides mortgage free homes to deserving veterans and their families. Frank Betz Associates is honored to be a house plan provider to Operation Finally Home.

On August 18, 2017, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Donald Davenport, a Purple Heart recipient and his family were presented with The Nickerson design. The home was provided by Operation Finally Home in Newnan, Georgia. Representing Frank Betz Associates was Laura Segers, Vice President of Sales Operation.

For more information about Operation Finally home, visit them at www.operationfinallyhome.org.

You can view images from the event below:

The crowd waiting for the recipents to arrive

Sgt. Donald Davenport and his wife realizing they had been chosen to receive a home from Operation Finally Home

Notes of congratulations and gratitude left for the new home owners

Master Bedroom Touches That Anyone Can Do

Interior Design

Your master bedroom should be a place to relax and unwind. It’s one of the few rooms in a house that can be considered a space to get away. Whether you’re building a brand new house or just revamping your current one, these tips and tricks are sure to make you feel right at home in your master.

1. Use cool-toned colors.

One of the keys to creating a tranquil and calm space, is using a neutral and serene color palette. Colors such as grey, blue, green, white, etc. will be pleasing to the eye and create immediate stress relief to your senses. This example shows a deep heather grey used on the walls, while the carpet and ceiling remain a stark white. The clean lines and cool-toned colors create a harmonious and continuous design.

While grey was used in the example above, many other color combinations can create the same feeling for your master bedroom. Pale blue, natural green or light purple are a few other popular color choices and would all match well with clean white as an accent. The key is to keep the designs simple and the lines clean, which brings us to our next tip.

2. Keep everything simple and clean.

From the furniture and décor to the small details such as door handles and hardware: keep them simple. By doing this, you are creating a room that is stylish, but maintains just enough detail to keep it from being uninteresting. Choosing fixtures that match and keeping lines clean instantly creates a bedroom that is soothing and inviting.

Now, when we say the word “simple,” we don’t mean boring and mundane. In fact, it can mean quite the opposite. Simple just means that clutter is eliminated from the space and that the eye isn’t stuck on one specific part of the room. By designing the bedroom to be coordinated, it automatically becomes more comfortable and will give you the relaxing master that you’re wanting.

3. Give it some character.

It doesn’t matter how large or small your space is, just give it a little touch of personality. It’s easy to have a room with character while maintaining serenity. This can mean adding hardwood floors rather than carpet, adding a unique light fixture or even adding a tray ceiling like the example shown below. The master bedroom pictured would be beautiful regardless, but the vaulted tray ceiling really gives it a special and memorable touch. The added headspace above not only makes the room appear larger, but it accentuates the cool-toned colors and simple furnishings the homeowners chose.

For more tips on designing your master bedroom or find your perfect custom home plans, call the experts and Frank Betz and Associates today.

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for the Perfect House Plan

Custom home design

Are you ready to build your dream home? Is this the year that you will begin the search for your perfect house plan? You have probably done all of your research, and feel like you know exactly what type of plan you are looking for. Does this sound like you? If so, finding your future home can be one of the most exciting times of your life. Whether you are a seasoned builder or a first time homeowner, these tips will be sure to give you something to think about.

1. Budget

Your budget should realistically be the first thing that you understand when deciding to build a home. Before anything else, you should do is ask your builder what the cost per square foot is in your county. This will help you determine whether a house plan is within your budget or not. Another thing to factor in is the cost of upgrades to the home you decide to build. How much will those upgrades be? Will you need there to be any additional changes? Take some time to have this discussion with your builder. Once you have your budget solid and on paper, the search for your dream home can begin.

2. The Lot Size

Although this may seem like an evident factor to consider, lot sizes are often overlooked. Many times, buyers will find their ideal home plan first, only to be disappointed when they find out that it is too large for their chosen lot. One way to avoid this is to have your builder tell you the parameters that you need to stay within. Be sure to keep note of the maximum width and depth when conducting your search.

3. How Many Stories

Have you thought about how many levels you want your dream home to have? This choice comes down to your lifestyle and how you see yourself growing into your new space. Would you prefer the master to be on the main level, while the children are roomed upstairs? A two-story allows for twice the square footage as well as a certain amount of privacy from the rest of the home. Or perhaps a ranch-style home makes more sense for your family, and you prefer everyone to be on the same level without a staircase in between. This is definitely something to consider during your search.

4. Open Floor Plan or Split Level

An open floor plan is becoming increasingly more popular in house plans across the country. The most common option is a great room that includes the kitchen, living room and even a dining space all in one shared space. This option is fantastic for home owners that enjoy entertaining, or homes with less square footage. A split level generally has the bedrooms on the upper floor along with the kitchen and living room. The bottom floor will usually be where the laundry room, a large living space and garage are found. This option is typically chosen by homeowners that want a lot of square footage, as they make full use of the space available.

5. Location, Location, Location

Where you decide to build your home is probably one of the most important pieces to this puzzle. Have you really thought about it? Is your dream home placed beside a lake, in the country or perhaps in a bustling suburb? Is there an active homeowner association that you will need to work with? If so, will the floor plan you choose fit in with the style of the other homes in the neighborhood and fit all of the HOA requirements? There are many factors to consider when choosing your location.

If you have factored in all of these tips and still have not found your perfect floor plan, consider the idea of customizing! We have more than 1,000 stock house plans in our inventory for you to choose from. However, if you decide that you want to modify a plan, our modification department is ready to make any changes that you may need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create your dream home!